African Internet community pays tribute to Dr Tarek Kamel, seeks 100 signatures - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Africa Internet technical community is seeking 100 signatures in honour of Dr Tarek Kamel as tribute to many of his pioneering efforts on the continent, reports ITREALMS.

Kamel, a former Senior Advisor to the president of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), remained the first African to be appointed in that capacity.

“Our goal is to reach 100 signatures and we need more support,” the organisers of the tribute said.

They also urged people to read more about Kamel and sign the petition.

As at the time of filing this report, ITREALMS gathered that over 30 signatures have endorsed the tribute.

ITREALMS recalls that Tarek was a member of the Internet Society (ISOC) Board of Trustees and vice president for his chapter between 1999 and 2002.

A founding member and former board member of Africa Network Information Centre (AfriNIC), Kamel acted as Chairman, Executive Bureau of Arab Telecommunications and Information Council of Ministers from 2004 to 2008 and the Chairman of the Ministerial Conference on Communication and Information Technologies of the African Union from 2006 to 2008.

Based on his leadership in the ICT sector, the South African Ministry of Communications named Kamel in 2005, the "Top Minister in Africa with an ICT Portfolio.”

In August 2012 ICANN appointed Kamel to serve as a senior advisor to its president, making him the first national of a developing country to fill one of ICANN's senior management posts.

This is coming as African Internet community also plans to host a session on Kamel’s honour during the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN66) in Montreal, Canada.

The AGM is slated for between November 2 through 7, 2019.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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FG plans to license WebTv - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) may have concluded plans once again to regulate the Internet with the proposed licensing of Web Television (WebTV), reports ITREALMS.

WebTV, ITREALMS gathered, was originally a brand owned by Microsoft as one of the first entries in the much publicized convergence of the World Wide Web with television. Unlike in cable TV, which entails users to buy a set-top box, Web TV requires just sign up with the WebTV access service and browse Web pages using a WebTV's browser and a hand-held control as long as one has Internet access.

With the growth of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) WebTV has since assumed an international dimension with advance of Internet as as a marketing tool and outlet for independent creators to display their work, thereby has shown improvement in Web television via quality, thus rivaling network television.

According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lia Mohammed during the inauguration of the National Broadcasting Commission Reform Implementation in Abuja on Thursday, which has some six weeks to submit its report.

The Committee is to upgrade list of breaches of political comments relating to hate speeches and divisive comments to ''Class A'' offence in the Broadcasting Code.

“Amendment of the NBC Act to enable NBC license WebTv and radio stations, including foreign broadcasters beaming signals into Nigeria,” he asserted.

Other highlights of his speech underscored the fact that FG planned to among other things, “establish and publish a new regulation for the licensing of web and Internet broadcasters/International broadcasters in Nigeria.”

Also, he said the Committee is to work out modalities for immediate establishment and “publicize a new sanctioning, fines and penalty regime that is in line with international best practice, promote professionalism and serve as a deterrent to erring practitioners against misconduct, especially hate speech, violence and spread of fake news.”

Further, he said, the Committee is to work on finally putting an end to all forms of monopoly detrimental to the actualization of the immense potential of the broadcast industry.

The Committee has six weeks to submit its report and is made up of seven wisemen and a woman, including: Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, Director of Monitoring of the NBC; Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa, Acting Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON); J.K. Ehicheoya, Esq, Director, Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture; Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, Secretary, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); Mr. Ibrahim Jimoh, Director of Administration, FRCN; Hon. Agbo Kingsley Ndubuisi, Board Member, NBC, and Mr. Joe Mutah, Chief Press Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Pix: The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (fourth from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe (third left); Prof. Armstrong Idachaba (fifth from left); Mr. Ibrahim Jimoh (extreme left); J.K. Ehicheoya Esq. (second left); Hajia Binta Adamu Bello (fourth from right); Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa (third from right); Hon. Kingsley Agbo Ndubisi (second from right) and Joe Mutah (extreme right) when the Minister inaugurated the Committee on the Implementation of Reforms in the National Broadcasting Commission in Abuja on Thursday.

SYNW commends Obiano over Juliet Chudie’s appointment, demands more - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has commended the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for appointing one of their own in the state as a Special Adviser on Youth Empowerment, even as they demanded for more especially in Literary Matters, reports ITREALMS.

The National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Mr. Wole Adedoyin who confirmed this to ITREALMS, described the appointment as recognition of hardwork, and eulogized Gov. Willie Obiano for giving youths opportunities and voices in his administration.

He disclosed there are many young ones out there who have a lot to contribute in development and governance of every state, Mr. Adedoyin also called on other governors of the various states in the federation to emulate such gesture and give youths more opportunity, maintaining that such will also help to spur other youths to play their drums well in their various fields of endeavour.

ALSO READ: Why we celebrate Chinua Achebe annually 

Also, he urged Governor Obiano to consolidate on this feat by appointing another young writer, like the Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers in the state, Mr. Izunna Okafor as an aide on Literary Matters, being an internationally acclaimed award-winning author/journalist and convener of the Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival.

"Anambra State is a hub of literary figures in Nigeria, and in fact, the first state to reckon with when it comes to literary matters, having given the world arrays of literary champions; and as such, the state deserves to have an aide who will stand as a liaison officer between the government and writers in the state both established and burgeoning writers" he said.

Adedoyin pointed out that Anambra State is expected to be the first state to set the pace on having such an aide on Literary Matters, which no state government has ever had in the history of the country.

“I trust Gov. Obiano is best expected to set such pace, being a youth-loving Governor. So, as I appreciate him, I also urge him to buy into this humble suggestion," SYNW president said.

In her reaction, the newly appointed SA on Youth Empowerment in Anambra State, Mrs. Juliet Chudie described it as a call to serve, and appreciated Gov. Obiano for finding her worthy to hold such a revered position, and giving her the opportunity to serve the state and Ndi Anambra.

She promised to employ her wealth of experience and knowledge in the discharge of her duties, so as to contribute her own quota in actualizing Gov. Obiano's transformation agenda for the state, especially through the aspects of youth empowerment and development.

Mrs. Chudie who is a member of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter) is a native of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and the founder of Juliet Chudie Foundation, founded in 2015.

She is the author of 'A Mother's Heart Bleeds' and the winner of the CSA Award as the Creative Writer of the Year 2018, and has through her foundation, touched many lives, empowered many youths and restored many hope in various localities of the state.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

RELATED STORY: Young Writers pay tribute to Gabriel Okara 

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Panelists canvass how to make Africa’s energy work - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Panelists at the three-day African Oil &Power conference and exhibition, have canvassed how to make Africa’s energy to work, reports ITREALMS.

According to those in a renewable energy panel moderated by Esther Lediga, Managing Director of Intra-Afrika Advisory, CEOs of companies operating in the sector from across the continent agreed that the clean, reliable and sustainable energy has a big role to play in lighting up Africa.

“Renewables have moved at a very fast pace. Many governments are still getting their heads around how to implement it in the best possible way. The benefits of renewable is multi-fold,” said David Masureik, CEO of New Southern Energy.

On building a sustainable renewable energy future, Maduna Ngobeni, Head of Regional Programmes at IPPO, said: “We shouldn’t compete with each other. We need to strive for a common goal – we need to understand where we want to be and how we get there. How exactly do we make the environment conducive? What kind of project do you want? The private sector needs clear framework that will show: ‘for the next five to ten years, this is how we will roll it out’.”

In tune with this, the CSIR’s Energy Centre Head, Dr Clinton Carter-Brown, in an AOP talk session addressed South Africa’s energy transition to decarbonisation based on mostly renewable energy and highlighted that the transition presents more opportunities than challenges for the country.

“South Africa is well-positioned to be among regional and global leaders transitioning the energy system. Therefore strategic investment in research and development initiatives that speak to technology innovation and industrialization are paramount.”

In a utility of the future panel discussion joined by Sustain Power, Matleng Energy Solutions, USAID/Power Africa and more, the panel agreed on a customer-focused and sustainable strategies as the way forward. Rather than seeing the difficulties facing Africa as obstacles, the panel believes that these challenges hold the potential for Africa to get ahead of trend.

“Everyone wants to get off the grid. It’s a chance to leapfrog. If there’s an opportunity to leapfrog into new technology in Africa … [we] can become a leader in this worldwide.”

In the latter part of the day, the conference saw a panel discussions on financing the power sector. Participants on the panel included DMWA Resources, Afreximbank and others.

Noble Energy delivered a presentation on the Alen Gas Monetization, followed by Sasol and South Africa’s Independent Power Producer’s Office (IPPO) which highlighted how South Africa’s transition into renewable energy needs to factor in the human reliance on the coal industry.

“Our transformation is also very much a process that needs to consider the impact on the economy and the impact on the people who are deployed in the sectors that are affected,” said Sandra Coetzee, Acting Head of the IPPO.

The Africa Oil & Power conference and exhibition will conclude on October 11. The program for the final day will be centred on the theme Driving Investment and African Trade.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Adeduntan joins global finance practitioners @Ethical conference - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan on Tuesday in Edinburgh, joined global leaders interactive session at the 2019 Ethical Finance Conference held on 8 – 9 October 2019, reports ITREALMS.

The conference held at RBS Conference Centre, Gogarburn, Edinburgh, saw attendance of over 500 leading finance practitioners from all over the world.ITREALMS gathered that Adeduntan, alongside other thought leaders, policy influencers and leading finance practitioners across the world deliberated on various topical issues that would help define and shape the transition of the global financial climate to a sustainable financial system where finance delivers positive change.

Notable at the panel with Adeduntan includes Sarah Breeden, Bank of England; Dame Susan Rice, Banking Standards Board; Gary Gillespie, Chief Economist, Scottish Government spoke on the topic “Financing Sustainability: Designing for A Future on Earth” in the first panel session held on 8 October 2019.

Speaking on his participation at the event, Dr. Adeduntan noted that “FirstBank is committed to exploring innovative opportunities that drive financial inclusion in Nigeria whilst harnessing widespread mobile-phone coverage to create low-price banking offerings across groundbreaking distribution channels, especially for the unbanked.”

“Our participation in the 2019 Ethical Finance Conference is a platform we are honoured to be in as shared knowledge with other global thought leaders and policy influencers is pivotal to promote inclusive growth in the global financial ecosystem, whilst contributing to economic growth, development and importantly, reducing poverty,” he submitted.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*From left: MD/CEO, Jaiz Bank Hassan Usman; CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Chairman, Jaiz Bank, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab; Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and member of the Banking Standards Board, Dame Susan Rice; Executive Director, Bank of England, Sarah Breeden at the Ethical Finance Conference held at Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh on Tuesday.

7th News Express anniversary lecture gets November 14 date - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture has been confirmed as the organisers unveiled date for the forthcoming event to be on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Main Hall of Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

The Lecture, according to News Express Publisher Isaac Umunna, “will focus attention on Nigeria’s economic cum developmental challenges and the way out.” The theme, he said, is “Getting Nigeria Out of the Woods – A New Thinking”.

“An array of experts in various fields of endeavor to be unveiled in the days ahead will tackle the issue from different perspectives,” Umunna said.

He further said: “As was the case with previous years’ editions, the 7th News Express Anniversary Lecture will attract top government functionaries, industry and religious leaders, professional groups and diverse sectorial leaders, among others. It is a spectacular programme that commands public attention with organisers creating hype pre-event, during and post events both in the traditional and new media. It will also be streamed live to a global audience and broadcast on News Express Digital TV.”

The statement identified past speakers at the News Express Anniversary Lecture to include Special Adviser To The President On Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina; Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director Hadiza Bala Usman; and ‘Africa’s Bill Gates’, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies Ltd and Konga.

News Express, which debuted on August 29, 2012, is one of Nigeria’s most popular and influential online dailies. It is read by hundreds of thousands of people around the world and records annual traffic of upwards of 100 million.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Sex-for-marks menance in Nigeria's tertiary institutions - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS:

The issue of sex-for-marks in tertiary institutions in Nigeria has refused to go away and has been ravaging the image of the institutions. The sex-for-marks episodes are part of a broader societal trend of Nigerian men abusing their authority by exploiting women.

This ugly menace is as old as the institutions, it does not only exist in tertiary institutions, but in other sectors in the country where there is an interface between male and female.

For those already caught in the act, call it a case of a dog caught with excreta in its mouth, not minding that other dogs eat excreta. In saying the truth, sex-for-marks rackets puts dark spots on the institutions in the country and takes off the shine of such institutions without the mention of excellence. I must also say here that some lazy students make sexual advances towards the lecturers, so as to enable them pass their courses and these randy lecturers pounce on them.

ALSO READ: Time to celebrate Dora Akunyili, a woman of substance!

If there exist a perfect understanding between the both, nobody gets to know, as it has two angles to it. This requires a holistic approach, so as to be solved.

There is need for moral rebirth in the society, the tertiary institutions inclusive. We need a Godfearing society for this act to be condemned thoroughly and punitive measures put in place to lock down those found in this ugly act. This act is not new, but more pronounced ever than before.

There are family and social vices at a high rate, so that of the tertiary institutions won't be an exception. Many ills permeates the society, we must do the right thing. Some lecturers have thrown the profession into the lagoon, at the admiration of sexual advances.

Sex-for-marks mentality is unethical, immoral and against the rules and regulations of any tertiary institution. I want to believe that each tertiary institution ought to have a gender equality commission union, so as to address these issues.

Tertiary institutions are no longer ivory of towers, but now an arena for sexual victimization. Lecturers fond of sex-for-marks attitude are morally debased. For me, they are not qualified to be called lecturers, as they are not worthy both in learning and character.

The ubiquity of sexual exploitation in tertiary institutions is a product of Nigeria's deeply patriarchal system where men control power structures and individual relationship.

I see sex-for-marks as a form of examination malpractice in tertiary institutions or another level of sorting that exist in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Lecturers that people look up to, to help them in garnering knowledge in their academic studies, are now seen as men they can't take off their eyes off female skirts/pants. The idea of calling someone a lecturer should be viewed as a vehicle with many integral parts and must understand what it entails.

The time to really redefine what tertiary institutions stands for is now, things should be put in the proper perspective or else this menace won't stop because some lecturers live a life deep-rooted in sexual harrasment, which to them is a way of life and like some politicians, there is no repentance in their blood.

*Chris Uruakpa contributed this from Lagos.

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Nigerian administrator selected for Global Sports Mentoring Programme - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

A sports administrator at the Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Oluwaseun Nariwoh, has been selected to attend the United States government’s flagship professional development exchange to empower women through sports, reports ITREALMS.

Nariwoh is one of the 16 participants from around the world who have been chosen for the U.S. Department of State’s Global Sports Mentoring Program based on their exemplary leadership skills, experience, and impact in the sports sector.

The Global Sports Mentoring Program is the product of a partnership between the Department of State, espnW, and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace & Society.

From October 10 to November 19, leading American female executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sectors will work side-by-side with emerging sports leaders from around the globe, sharing valuable business and leadership skills.

The American mentors will assist the participants in the creation of strategic action plans that will be used to create specific sports opportunities for underserved women and girls when they return home.

Dr. Nariwoh’s participation in the program will include travel to Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. She will be mentored by the Director of Inclusion at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Jean Merrill, and her deputy, Shay Wallach, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

All of the participants will engage with U.S. government officials and high-level figures in both the sports business as well as grassroots associations. They will also take professional leadership courses and learn about American culture, the American sports structure, and the history of disability sports and women’s sports in the United States.

United States Consulate Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks congratulated Dr. Nariwoh on her acceptance into the prestigious programme.

He noted that the Global Sports Mentoring Program advances the goal of empowering emerging female leaders to serve their local communities by increasing the access of women and girls to the opportunities available to them in the world of sports.

“The U.S. Department of State believes that sport is a vehicle to advance the status, liberty, and well-being of women, girls, and marginalized people throughout the world. The Global Sports Mentoring Program is based on the growing body of evidence that women and girls who play sports are increasingly likely to excel on both the playing field and in life.”

“We are confident that Dr. Nariwoh will further hone her skill-set and make a significant contribution towards gender equality in the sports community upon her return to Nigeria,” Brooks said.

Since 2012, alumni from 75 countries have participated in the program, forming an international network of sports administrators, athletes, coaches, educators, and advocates promoting equality and inclusion through sports.

Previous Nigerian participants of the program include Tega Onojaife, sports producer/presenter at Smooth 98.1 FM (2018); Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke of SuperSport TV (2017); AdaMark Ogbole, CEO AdaMark Foundation for Girls (2013); and Nneka Ikem of Radio Nigeria (2012).

Banji Boye/Editor

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Osakwe applauds Awba-Ofemili over N100m Civic Centre Fund project - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

President-General, Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU Lagos), Chief Barr. Vincent Osakwe, has applauded the leadership and people of Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU Lagos) on the N100m civic centre fund raising in Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

Osakwe in his remarks at the maiden award and civic centre fundraising held penultimate Saturday at the Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos, hosted by the ADU Lagos led by its chairman, Mr. Remmy Nweke, noted that Nweke alongside Chief Benard Chidebe are worthy representatives to AASDU Lagos from ADU.

For him, the project is a mark of quality leadership, which is expected of every AASDU representative.

ALSO READ: Awba-Ofemili launches N100m fund, obtains adulagos...

Osakwe who was represented by a delegation led by AASDU Secretary-General, Barr. Ubaka Nwonwu included Chief Mezie Okwuosa, Forwarder Stanley Ezenga, Mr. Sunday Nnazor and Barr. Victor Nwakasi, also enjoined ADU Lagos members to support the current leadership of their town because they mean well from what he saw, especially on the idea of N100m civic centre so that it will come to fruition.

Equally speaking, Chief Okwuosa and Forwarder Ezenga, respectively, applauded ADU Lagos leadership, asserting that they were not disappointed with the vision and urged all and sundry to ensure they contribute their quota in realization of the N100m civic centre in Lagos, so that they support their home town adequately.

AASDU President, Chief Osakwe was later honoured by the chairman, ADU Lagos, Mr. Remmy Nweke, as friend of the town, for his leadership support and provision of the enabling environment for Awba-Ofemili community in Lagos to optimize available portentials so far and called for more cooperation between towns and AASDU.

Earlier, Mr. Nweke in his welcome address, noted that the N100m multi-purpose civic centre is important and strategic, as “it marks the beginning of a journey to a stronger socio economic base for our dear Union in Lagos” just as he beckoned on essence of building institutions than individuals for the town to thrive.

ADU Lagos, he said, conceived the idea of a multipurpose civic center, to serve as a focal point for the community gathering with facilities for indoor sporting events, theaters, concerts and shopping centre.

“Specifically, the ADU Lagos Civic Centre building is estimated to cost about N100m for completion; which outside acting as ADU Lagos meeting point, will be an income generating venture through offer of services to the public by renting out its halls for events when completed.

“ADU members wishing to use the hall will benefit from a special discount package,” he assured, and urged guests for support to achieve this goal, “please donate generously and you’ll be richly blessed. God loves a cheerful giver.”

Even as a given percentage of the fund raised will be set aside for women empowerment, especially for widows in the town and specifically those who may have links with ADU Lagos.

He also noted that Awba-Ofemili indigenes have been in Lagos for over 40 years and deserved to have a meeting point of their own, saying again that what the town needs urgently is not necessarily strong men or women, but strong institutions in Awba-Ofemili to prosper.

Over 30 indigenes of Awba-Ofemili both home and abroad in addition to some of their friends were honoured at the occasion including the chairman, Fidwax Group, Chief Fidelis Nweke, who was the chief launcher as well as the Transition Chairman, Awka-North Local Government Area, Hon. Ferdinard Onwuje; Chief Dr. Nnamdi Okafor, CEO, Edinho Limited; and Mr. Benard Nebeani, to name but a few.

Also, over 86 indigenes received their certificates of membership by the leadership of ADU Lagos.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Pix From right: Chairman, Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) Lagos, Mr. Remmy Nweke in a tit-a-tat with the Secretary-General Association of Anambra State Development Unions (AASDU) and leader of the AADU delegation, Barr. Ubaka Nwonwu, who represented President-General, AASDU, Chief Barr Vincent Osakwe at the 2019 ADU Lagos Award and Civic Center Fund Raising at Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos, recently.

Top 5 United Nations World Summit awardees for MoDiTECH’19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The top five national nominees for the United Nations World Summit Awards Nigeria, would on Thursday, October 24, 2019 be unveiled to the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, at the Mobile and Disruptive Technology Forum (ModiTECH’19) reports ITREALMS.

The nominees, ITREALMS gathered include @FARMZ2U, @CAMPUSTORCH, @OMOMI, @CHEKITT and @AFRIMART.

ITREALMS also gathered that nominees, include a past youth winner OMOMI, would be unveiled on that day by the WSA Eminent National Expert for Nigeria and President, Innovationbed.Africa present Innovationbed Periscope session, tagged "The Power of Digital Services."

ALSO READ: Austin Okere to keynote @ MoDiTECH’19 - ITREALMS

“When we say Africa is blessed, it is not only in its mineral resources endowment but of youthful human resource capacity doing fantastic innovative jobs in nation building”, said the Chief Architect and President at InnovationBed.Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Amos.

“Nigeria has been the core pilot nation for the Innovationbed initiative as one of its flagship programmes: The Periscope session will field the above ambassadors so the audience can have a first-hand experience of practical solutions offering fixes to some sector challenges that conferences are always fond of speaking about rather that showing answers in practical terms,” he said.

Innovationbed Periscope at ModiTECH’19 will deal specifically on homegrown apps in the Health and Life Style sector, Environment and Green Energy Sector, E-Commerce & Business Sector and E-Learning & Education Sector.

Mobile and Disruptive Technology Forum (ModiTECH’19), an initiative of TechEconomy.ng in collaboration with CommunicationsWeek, in this maiden edition, aims at pushing for “The Power of Digital Services” by disrupting existing technologies for the advancement of the economy at large.

Organisers said it promises to make a difference as ground-breaking solution shall be unveiled along many dimensions of the Forum.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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10 African countries now in Facebook third-party fact-checking programme - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Some 10 African countries are now in the Facebook's third-party fact-checking programme, reports ITREALMS.

The countries include  Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon and Senegal, Facebook today announced the expansion of its Third-Party Fact-Checking programme to 10 additional African countries. In partnership with Agence France-Presse (AFP), the France 24 Observers, Pesa Check and Dubawa, this programme forms part of its work in helping assess the accuracy and quality of news people find on Facebook, whilst reducing the spread of misinformation on its platform.

Working with a network of fact-checking organizations, certified by the non-partisan International Fact-Checking Network, third-party fact-checking will now be available in Ethiopia, Zambia, Somalia and Burkina Faso through AFP, Uganda and Tanzania through both Pesa Check and AFP, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire through France 24 Observers and AFP, Guinea Conakry through France 24 Observers, and Ghana through Dubawa.

Feedback from the Facebook community is one of many signals Facebook uses to raise potentially false stories to fact-checkers for review. Local articles will be fact-checked alongside the verification of photos and videos. If one of our fact-checking partners identifies a story as false, Facebook will show it lower in News Feed, significantly reducing its distribution.

Kojo Boakye, Facebook Head of Public Policy, Africa, said: “The expansion of third-party fact-checking to now cover 15 countries in a little over a year shows firsthand our commitment and dedication to the continent, alongside our recent local language expansion as part of this programme. Taking steps to help tackle false news on Facebook is a responsibility we take seriously, we know misinformation is a problem, and these are important steps in continuing to address this issue. We know that third-party fact-checking alone is not the solution, it is one of many initiatives and programmes we are investing in to help to improve the quality of information people see on Facebook. While we've made great progress, we will keep investing to ensure Facebook remains a place for all ideas, but not for the spread of false news.”

When third-party fact-checkers fact-check a news story, Facebook will show these in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed. Page Admins and people on Facebook will also receive notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past that's been determined to be false, empowering people to decide for themselves what to read, trust, and share.

Providing fact-checking in English and French across eight countries, Phil Chetwynd, AFP Global News Director said: “AFP is delighted to be expanding its fact-checking project with Facebook. We are known for the high quality of our journalism from across Africa and we will be leveraging our unparalleled network of bureaus and journalists on the continent to combat misinformation.”

Eric Mugendi, Managing Editor from Pesa Check who will provide fact-checking services in Swahili and English added: “Social networks like Facebook haven't just changed how Africans consume the news. Social media is often the primary access to digital content or the 'Internet' for many Africans. They shape our perceptions of the world, our public discourse, and how we interact with public figures. This project helps us dramatically expand our fact-checking to debunk claims that could otherwise cause real-world harm. The project helps us respond more quickly and directly. We're seeing real positive results in our interactions with both publishers and the public itself. The project also helps our fact-checks reach a far larger audience than we would otherwise. This has helped us better understand the information vacuum and other viral dynamics that drive the spread of false information in Africa. Our growing impact is a small but tangible contribution to better informed societies in Africa.”

Caroline Anipah, Programme Officer, Dubawa (Ghana) added: “Dubawa is excited to be in Ghana where the misinformation and disinformation have become widespread as a result of technological advancement and increasing internet penetration. Dubawa intends to raise the quality of information available to the public with the ultimate aim of curbing the spread of misinformation and disinformation and promoting good governance and accountability.”

Supporting the expansion to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea Conakry and Cote d’Ivoire Derek Thomson, editor-in-chief of the France 24 Observers, said: “Our African users are constantly sending us questionable images and messages they’ve received via social media, asking us ‘Is this true? Can you check it?’ It’s our responsibility as fact-checking journalists to verify the information that’s circulating, and get the truth back out there. Participating in the Facebook programme helps ensure that our fact-checks are reaching the people who shared the false news in the first place.”

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Tunde Coker to chair maiden ModiTECH - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Managing Director and chief executive officer, Rack Centre, Dr Ayotunde Coker would on October 24 chair the maiden edition of the MoDITECH, reports ITREALMS.

Coker who has over 30 years’ international experience across including Europe, USA, Asia and Africa. He was born in Nigeria, went to school in Lagos, and university in the UK.

His distinguished career of 28 years in the UK, included roles as Management Consultant Cap Gemini UK, Director Egg Bank the first European Internet Bank, Global Applications Director BP, CTO UK Criminal Justice, IT Director, Ministry of Justice.

He returned to Nigeria in 2009 as Group CIO of Access Bank, and then MD/CEO of Emerging Markets Payments, West Africa. As MD/CEO, he has led Rack Centre to become a household name in Nigeria, leading brand in Africa with global recognition and numerous international awards. He is Secretary General of the Africa Data Centre Association.

He is an award-winning post graduate alumnus of Cranfield Institute of Technology UK, Fellow Institute of Directors (UK), Fellow British Computer Society, Honorary Senior Member Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

He holds a PhD (Honoris Causa) by ESCAE University, Republic of Benin.

He was recently identified in the Power 200: The Worlds Most Influential Data Economy Leaders by the Data Economy Magazine in the UK

The Forum sponsored by Digital Encode, Global Accelerex, Medallion Communications and hosts of others has been endorsed by, ATCON, InnovationBed Africa and ALTON, FinTechNgr and AfICT.

It will feature C-Level executives including CEOs/CFOs/CROs/CCO/CIO; Directors and Heads of trading, operations, research, analytics, investment, strategy, digital, compliance, risk and data analysts; and senior regulators and policymakers; drawn from the FMCGs, Financial Industry including Fintechs, Banks, Insurance Companies, etc., AgriTech, Logistics, Cyber security companies, amongst others.

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Nigerian, Kenyan children to benefit from Google’s Digital Skills - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

Children in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa are billed to benefit from the Google’s Digital Skills for Africa programme, reports ITREALMS.

Google, ITREALMS gathered, is engaging local organisations via its partnership with the Cape Town Science Centre to train 200,000 students in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa within 1 year.

CS First is a Google program aimed at children aged 9 to 16. Created by educators and computer scientists, CS First introduces coding and computer science to students in a collaborative and creative club environment. CS First club members build projects in Scratch (scratch.mit.edu), a blocks-based programming language. The training will be delivered through 26 collaborating organisations across Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. For areas with limited access to the internet and limited devices, CS First may be delivered through CS Unplugged.

In addition, Google also aims to reach students through an Online Safety Roadshow project building on itś work with the Web Rangers program. This project will reach parents, teachers and students in all three countries.

Google is once again joining forces with SAP and UNESCO as part of Africa Code Week 2019 to engage community-focused organisations across Africa to enable them to host coding workshops for children (aged 11-18) in their local communities during Africa Code Week this month. Some 55 organisations have been identified across the continent.

These activities form part of Google’s commitment to train 10 million Africans in digital skills by 2022.

“The training programmes promise to improve the children’s confidence in interacting with computers and their overall confidence and willingness to try new things,” says Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head of Brand and Reputation, SSA. 

“With growing internet penetration across Africa, and the increasing trend of kids interacting online, Google believes it is important to provide helpful information to children and parents to enable children to take appropriate measures to stay safe online while exploring the internet with confidence. The training takes learnings from Google ́s Be Internet Awesome campaign and the content is carefully drafted to provide helpful tips to kids and parents, and information on useful tools like Google’s Family Link,” Makind said.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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ModiTECH'19: Meet Okere, the keynote speaker - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

As the days for the maiden edition of the Mobile & Disruptive Technology Forum (MoDiTECH 2019) on October 24, 2019 in Lagos State, draw near, ITREALMS would like to you meet the keynote speaker, Mr. Austin Okere.

ModiTECH’19 is being organised by TechEconomy.ng in collaboration with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek,

Okere, ITREALMS gathered is a respected personality in the Nigerian ICT industry, Africa and indeed the world. He is also the Entrepreneur in Residence, Ausso Leadership Academy. Austin is a member of the World Economic Forum Business Council on Innovation and Intrapreneurship.

He serves on the Board of the National Competiveness Council of Nigeria and Initiative for Global Development.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria.

Austin is a graduate of Computer Science from the University of Lagos and holds an MBA degree from the International Graduate School of Management (IESE), Navara, Spain. He possesses an unprecedented flair for visioning, strategy and branding.

He is a member of several professional and leadership bodies, including ICT Advisory Board, Nigerian Competitive Council and Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce.

Austin has been recognized and honored locally and internationally with many awards in recognition of his contribution to the Information and Communications Technology world. He was named ICT Personality of the year 2014 by the Nigerian Computer Society and ICT Man of the Decade by ICT Watch Africa Digital Network in 2012.

His most recent recognitions include the 2016 NCS Presidential Award for promotion of ICT in Nigeria, Announced as member of the Global Business School Network Advisory Board and was named as one of Nigeria’s Top 50 Tech-Titans at the Titan of Tech Awards 2016.

He is currently an Entrepreneur in Residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Legatum Centre as well as Columbia University, New York.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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2,000 youngpreneurs get investment support from Ekiti - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr David Olusoga, has reiterated the commitment of the government to invest on some 2,000 young enterpreneurs, reports ITREALMS.

He gave this indication on Monday while briefing journalists on the maiden edition of the Ekiti Entrepreneurship Week commencing in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.

He said the programme was centred on youths cut across the sixteen local government areas adding that about 5,000 youths with interest in entrepreneurship would be participating in the programme.

According to the commissioner, the essence of the programme was to inspire the youths by unleashing their latent entrepreneurial skills and ideas for the benefit of Ekiti in particular and Nigeria in general.

He added that the goal was to motivate youths into a pool of individuals who would conceive business ideas that will create employment opportunities and great wealth thereby making them employers of labour instead of being dependent on government jobs that are not readily available.

The commissioner stated that the programme would show the world that Ekiti is conducive environment for investments. He said the state was ready to domesticate Global Entrepreneurship week in the state as Governor Kayode Fayemi has consistently declared its interest in the growth and sustainable development of entrepreneurs based in the state.

Olusoga highlighted the features of the entrepreneurship week to include among others, re-igniting the spirit of entrepreneurship and rebuilding the almost dying commerce and industry in the state; focusing on the garment and fashion industry and showcasing Ekiti fashion signature to the world; youth empowerment through capacity building business solution; promote interactions among fashion designers, tailors, trainers, merchants and beauticians for integrated business links and building a hub around the industry and enhance dignity in labour and productivity.

As part of the corporate endeavours to ensure that youth get it right, the commissioner said successful entrepreneurs have been invited to mentor, train and inspire the youth.

He explained further that the week with theme “Enterprise and Creativity meet Opportunity” would ignite the expected spirit of entrepreneurship in our youth to enable them meet their potential and achieve their life goals.

One of the successful Ekiti indigene in the fashion industry, Mrs Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, a native of Ado-Ekiti who spoke at the event said she had been in the industry for 36 years and have been able to grow a lot of very young people who have all made their marks in the industry.

Mrs Ajila-Ladipo used the opportunity to advised the youths to develop attitude of wealth creation by being enterprising because a lot of people are making in the fabrics and other industries.

She assured that Ekiti is a ready place for entrepreneurs because industries would easily grow in the state adding that instead of going into fraud, we can help them to develop that passion that they have in doing some things that would improve their lives.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Pix: L-R: Group Managing Director, Fountain Holding Ltd, Mr Seyi Ayeleso; President, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Mrs Funmi Ajila- Ladipo;  Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industries,  Mr Olusoga David; and  Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Values Orientation, Aare Muyiwa Olumilua; during the press briefing on Ekiti Entrepreneurship Week 2019, in Ado-Ekiti.

Best of Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens staged in Tunisia - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Under the umbrella of Rugby Africa, and together with their partner Société Générale, the Fédération Tunisienne de Rugby (Tunisian rugby federation) hosts the Africa Women’s Sevens on the 12th and 13th October 2019 in the Mustapha Ben Jannet stadium in Monastir, Tunisia, reports Sporting ITREALMS.

It is the second time Rugby Africa hosts Olympic qualifying events on the continent since Rugby Sevens debuted at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016. Now all eyes are on the twelve of the best African teams as they are impatiently waiting to seize the opportunity to qualify directly for the next Summer Olympics in Tokyo 2020. The silver and bronze medallists will have another opportunity to qualify by competing in a global repechage tournament to be held in June 2020. The first and second placed teams will be able to participate for the World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier tournament.

With the Olympics and the World Rugby Sevens Series just around the corner, many sides have been investing into their Sevens programme meaning there is a lot at stake for the teams and the qualifier tournament will showcase competitive matches. The participating teams are (in current African ranking order) Kenya, Uganda, Tunisia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Botswana, Zambia, Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa, and Ghana. South Africa withdrew from the 2018 edition, it therefore now ranks 11th out of the 12 teams. The Ghanaian team integrates the African championship for the first time and therefore ranks 12th.

It is to be noted that South Africa will only compete for a chance to qualify for the World Series qualifier event, due to the South African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee’s internal rules not permitting them to qualify for the Olympic Games directly from the African Regional Qualifier tournament.

Rugby Africa President Khaled Babbou says, "We are very pleased and express our gratitude to the Fédération Tunisienne de Rugby (FTR) to host the Africa Women's Sevens 2019 edition. FTR has undertaken all necessary steps to provide very good conditions for this competition and to deliver an excellent image of African women's rugby. Africa aims for high level and international recognition, and I believe especially Women’s Sevens Rugby has a great potential to promote and reveal our talents in Africa and to get more players on the continent into rugby. I am convinced the women’s games will capture the public’s imagination and I wish all teams good luck in this qualifier event. I know that they have prepared very hard for it and hope that all teams can show their best form when they fight for their participation in one of the most prestigious sport events in the world."

Banji Boye/Editor

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Austin Okere to keynote @ MoDiTECH’19 - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Founder and Vice Chairman, CWG Plc, Mr. Austin Okere has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the maiden edition of Mobile & Disruptive Technology Forum (MoDiTECH 2019) holding on October 24, 2019 in Lagos State, Nigeria, reports ITREALMS.

ModiTECH’19 is being organised by TechEconomy.ng in collaboration with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, as a platform for inter-sectorial review of economic impacts of technologies; giving particular attention to the disruptive potentials of emerging solutions supported by the Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Robotics, FinTechs and mobile phone economy around retail and service provision

The event under the theme: “The Power of Digital Services”, holds at Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel (VCP), 292B, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos under the chairman of the Managing Director of Rack Centre, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, while the Chairman, Connect Technologies & Africa Chair for IEEE, Chris Uwaje (Oracle), is the co-chairman and will moderate a session on digital disruptions.

The Minister of Communications, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami is the special guest of honour. Other special invitees expected at the Forum are the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; the Director General of the National Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; the Managing Director of Rack Centre, Dr. Tunde Coker; the President, African ICT Foundation (AfICTF), Mr Tony Ojobo; the President of NiRA, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, to name a few.

Other speakers include, the Co-Founder/COO, Digital Encode, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale; President, African ICT Foundation, Mr. Tony Ojobo; Co-founder/CTO, Digital Encode, Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde; the Chief Operating Officer, FinTech Association of Nigeria (FinTechngr), Dr. Babatunde Obrima; the Founder Rise Labs; Nigeria’s First AI powered Learning, Research & Work Readiness Centre, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji; the Chief Technology Strategist, Debbie Mishael Consulting & Board Member Global Advisory Council, EC-Council, Engr. Frank Ogochukwu; the Managing Director of Global Accelerex Limited, Tunde Ogungbade, amongst others.

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Paradigm Initiative strengthens lawmakers with inter-regional digital rights workshop - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

As part of efforts at strengthen policymakers’ capacity to handle digital rights and related issues, Paradigm Initiative has hosted an Inter-regional Policy Workshop on Internet Rights from 7-8th October 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, reports ITREALMS.

The workshop, which is targeted at Parliamentarians from East and Southern Africa, including representatives from the two Regional Economic Communities (RECs), is part of a series of interventions aimed at complementing existing capacity of policy makers in developing human rights respecting Internet legislation.

The workshop seeks to foster dialogue among the delegates, further enhance their capacities to address digital rights and offer them an informed awareness of issues, best practice and mechanisms that other countries utilise, which can be adapted for implementation in their respective jurisdictions.

Speaking on the development Honourable Thoko Tembo from the Parliament of Malawi noted that the expansion of Africa’s digital landscape means that the Internet is fast becoming a human right and affects a lot more people. “As a policy maker, I am extremely excited to attend this workshop. The knowledge and awareness obtained will help formulate the right policy that will ensure citizens enjoy digital rights, he said."

The seminar underscores the critical role of Parliamentarians across the globe in the Internet Governance multi-stakeholder ecosystem and an equally critical role in formulation of Internet policies, regulation and legislation.

According to Google Policy Fellow for East Africa, Rebecca Ryakitimbo, “this workshop will help set precedence for regional frameworks around digital rights and freedom bearing in mind the trends and similarities in these countries”.

The convening is expected to culminate into the development of an Inter-regional Advocacy Framework for addressing digital rights and freedoms.

Meanwhile,Bulanda Nkhowani- Google Policy Fellow for Southern Africa applauded the initiative, “this is timely for the two regions faced with similar threats on internet freedom in form of internet taxes, repressive cyber laws and massive detentions of activists and internet users in countries like Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania”.

Participants will leave with deepened and up-to-date insights on the status of digital rights in the two regions and in Africa, as well as empowered with the requisite tools to establish human rights-based cyber laws and ultimately contribute to establishing coordinated best practice in Internet public policy on the continent.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Dangote launches waste-to-wealth, recycling - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The 2019 Global Sustainability Week got a boost in Nigeria as employees of the pan-African conglomerate, the Dangote Industries Limited commenced an environment focused initiative tagged “Waste to Wealth initiative,” reports ITREALMS.

The initiative, ITREALMS gathered is focused on managing waste disposal while generating income and giving back to communities wherein we operate.

The company marked the Sustainability Week with the theme: “Our Community, Our Passion” with various activities held in the Lagos and across its Business Units and plants. These activities focused on investment programmes directed towards turning waste to wealth, and reviving reading culture in young children in host communities.

In Lagos, over 200 Sustainability Champions and employee volunteers across the business units, assisted five international facilitators to train the children on turning the most insignificant materials and waste in the environment into tangible assets of economic value to the nation.

Dangote employees took the initiative to St. George Primary School and Aunty Ayo International School in Ikoyi, where the facilitators, with additional help from the volunteers, trained the children on how to manage their wastes and create sustainable products that are marketable from their everyday generated wastes.

Speaking on the initiative, the Group Chief Sustainability and Governance, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli, said the company’s sustainability approach is driven by a desire to contribute and impact positively towards the development of host communities and the society at large.

According to her, the 2019 Sustainability Week is directed towards safeguarding the environment by educating the host communities on how to turn waste to wealth to achieve sustainable development.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Former Army chief, Ihejirika bags quantity surveyors award - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Azubike Ihejirika, has bagged the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) award, reports ITREALMS.

Ihejirika was conferred with the star Performance Award in Quantity Surveyors (QS) service for his contribution to the profession and growth of the institute.

The former army chief received the award on the occasion of the NIQS dinner and award night in commemoration of its 50th anniversary at the weekend in Abuja.

Ihejirika who expressed his delight at the award said, "It's an exciting experience to be remembered for ones contributions to professional development and ultimately national development ultimately, I am happy."

He noted that his being part of the QS aided his successful execution of projects during his tenure as the COAS. He added that the profession has great prospects to contribute to national development if there will be enhance political will to get the professionals involved.

According to him, QS will address infrastructural deficit and ensure that the menace of abandoned projects is addressed.

"It will pay to get quantity surveyors and all forms of construction and infrastructural development. There are a lot of benefits, it will adrress cases of abandoned projects because the QS has knowledge of construction process. He has the ability to monitor cost trends and is in a position to forecast or foresee likely impediments in the implementation of projects."

"Without being a QS, I wouldn't have done the much I did in terms of project implementation, so my knowledge of this encouraged me to take on abandoned projects and ensure that no project was abandoned wgile I was leaving office."

The chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bola Owasanoye speaking at the event, notes that the NIQS has collaborated with the ICPC to monitor constituency projects intended for development.

The ICPC Boss decried that issues of building collapse, unnecessary upward review of contract and so on, and charged the institute to put all hands on deck, uphold it's code of ethics and punish infractions.

He called for more Collaboration with the institute to stamp out corruption.

The president, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, Murtala Aliyu in his remarks charged the board to draw up a strategic plan for the profession and for the institute for the next 50 years especially as it's the fourth industrial revolution to enable the institute be at per with modalities.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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